EQUIPMENT used by a cat charity to rescue stray cats has been stolen by callous thieves.

A trap and cat basket belonging to Colne Valley Cats Protection was stolen.

It was deliberately left unattended in Challis Lane, Braintree.

Two volunteers had set up the trap to try to catch five kittens living in an abandoned garage near the Co-op store in the road.

When they returned to check the trap, someone had taken it.

The basket for the kittens had also been stolen.

The five kittens and their mother, herself only six months old, could not be caught and the charity believes they have probably all now died.

Kornelia Teelucksingh, of Colne Valley Cats Protection, said she was also very “distressed” at the prospect of the trap being used to catch other stray cats.

The fear is the stray cats could be used for use as bait in dog fights.

The theft took place last month.

Police are investigating.